Health Encyclopedia

Stasis dermatitis and ulcers

Definition

Stasis dermatitis is a skin condition due to the build up of fluid (swelling) under the skin.

Alternative Names

Venous stasis ulcers; Ulcers - venous

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The extra fluid that builds up in the body makes it hard for the blood to feed cells and get rid of waste products. The tissue becomes poorly nourished and fragile, resulting in stasis dermatitis. The disorder is common on the ankles because there is less supportive tissue in this area.

As the skin becomes thin and inflamed, open ulcers may form and heal slowly. The skin may darken, and later become thick, perhaps due to excessive scratching of the area.

Poor circulation in the veins (venous insufficiency) can lead to stasis dermatitis and ulcers (craters) in the skin. Varicose veins, congestive heart failure, and other conditions can cause the arms and legs to swell, especially the feet and ankles.

Symptoms

Swelling of legs, ankles, or other areas
Skin appears thin, tissue-like
Skin lesion: macule or patch
Skin spots, red
Darkening of skin at the ankles or legs
Thickening of skin at the ankles or legs
Open sores, ulcers
Superficial skin irritation of the legs
Itching
Leg pains

Signs and tests

The diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin. Your doctor may order tests to examine the blood flow in your legs.

Treatment

The underlying condition and swelling must be controlled. This may include surgical correction of varicose veins, medications to control heart failure, or diuretics to remove excess fluid.

Circulation in the area may improve as swelling is reduced. This can be aided by raising the legs above the level of the heart until the swelling goes down. Gradually increasing gentle activity, such as walking, can improve circulation.

Elastic stockings may be recommended to improve venous blood return from the legs, which will reduce swelling.

Treatment of the skin may include wet dressings and topical antibiotics to control infection in open ulcers.

The skin area should be kept clean and observed for signs of infection (pain, redness, drainage that looks like pus).

Expectations (prognosis)

Stasis dermatitis is often a chronic condition. Symptoms may be minimized if the underlying condition and swelling can be controlled.

Complications

Secondary bacterial skin infections
Permanent scar formation
Chronic leg ulcers
Infection of underlying bone

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if leg swelling or stasis dermatitis develops.

Prevention

Prevention is the control of underlying causes of peripheral edema.

Review Date:10/16/2006
Reviewed By:Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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